Makena, ie “Big Beach”

Beach Location: About ¼ mile south of 5400 Makena Alanui Road, Kihei HI 96753
Amenities: Food trucks, picnic tables, portable toilets, trash and recycle bins
Kid Friendly: Beach, yes. Water, no.
Lifeguards: Yes
Parking: Heading south on Makena Alanui Road, you’ll pass Makena Road. There is a sign there pointing the way to Makena Beach as well as Makena Landing. You want Makena Beach. Keep driving straight, go up and over a hill, and look for the small sign for Makena State Park. After the sign, take a right through the yellow gate and into the parking lot. The path to Big Beach is at the far end of the parking lot. Take all valuables with you. Wear shoes or slippers until you get past the trees, which drop sharp thorns.

Big Beach is aptly named, as it is the largest undeveloped beach on Maui. There is so much sandy space here, it never gets crowded! This place has some of the most beautiful ocean you will ever see. The water seems to stretch on forever along the coast here. If you are able to climb to the top of the ridge on the right hand side, looking down into the water there can feel like a meditation.

Although the lovely waves of Big Beach are enticing, we leave swimming here to the locals. Visitors have been seriously hurt by unexpected waves smashing them into the shore. Big Beach, unlike most Maui beaches, boasts a lifeguard station. Instead of swimming, we suggest grabbing some tacos at the excellent food truck in the parking lot, setting up a beach umbrella, and settling on the sand for an afternoon. Have fun!